Lonzo Ball is not waiting for the regular season to entertain fans. Ball had 36 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds in the Lakers Summer League win over the Sixers. The only knock on Ball’s performance was shooting three of ten from the three-point line.
Ball displayed what many consider to be the best court vision of the 2017 rookie class as this full court dime shows:
More impressive than Ball’s stat line was his ability to lead the Lakers back from a double-digit deficit. With 21 seconds remaining, Ball scored the game-tying basket and was fouled. Ball’s free throw gave the Lakers the win.
The matchup would have featured the top two picks in the 2017 NBA Draft, but Markelle Fultz hurt his ankle earlier in summer league.
Despite his epic performance, the post-game discussions have centered around Ball’s shoes. Ball chose to wear Nike shoes over his signature Big Baller Brand kicks. Ball came out in purple Kobe A.D. shoes.
While many have had strong reactions to the choice, Ball’s decision to wear Nike should not come as a huge surprise. The Ball family has reiterated Ball has freedom to wear whatever shoe brand he wants. It is not the first time Ball has worn a competitor’s shoes since Big Baller Brand launched. Ball wore Adidas shoes in his initial pre-draft workout with the Lakers.
ESPN’s Darren Rovell reported this is not a sign that Ball is looking to sign with Nike.
“Lonzo is not forced to wear any brand and can play in any shoe he wants as long as it’s OK with the NBA,” LaVar Ball told ESPN. “This is what being independent is all about.”
Ball reiterated his desire to make his own apparel decisions despite being part of the family business.
“At BBB, you can play in what you want,” Ball told ESPN. “I already played in both of my shoes, might as well get the ‘Mamba Mentality’ going. Put ’em on, and it worked out tonight.”
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